Tag: Self-Love

It’s Good to Be YOU: How to Feel Whole in a World of Conformity

Written by Maria Connolly. Posted in Self-Leadership Skills, Stepping Forward.

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ~ Carl Gustav Jung

“You wouldn’t like me, if you knew the real me.” I couldn’t believe it when Katie, one of my clients, said this during a session! She’s a beautiful woman inside and out. Yet, she felt ugly and unlovable. Some past experiences had caused her to develop negative thoughts and feelings about herself and her worth. She’d become a master at blending in, conforming to what other people found comfortable. It took a lot of work for her to accept my words, “It’s Good to be YOU”!

We live in a society that prides itself on being open-minded and accepting of differences. It’s the subject of headlines, talk shows, movies, books. Yet why is it so necessary to call attention to it, if it really exists? If we are truly open-minded and accepting, it would be the norm, not newsworthy.

Keeping My Commitment to Myself — Why Is It So Hard, but So Necessary?

Written by Maria Connolly. Posted in Self-Leadership Skills.

“Stay committed to your decisions but flexible in your approach.” ~ Tony Robbins

“Why is it so hard to keep my commitment to myself, when I always keep my commitments to others?” That’s what a client asked, and I assured her she’s not alone. I’ve been there myself. However, mindfully contemplating this very revealing question uncovered some deeply held beliefs and, as a result, opened up opportunities for major personal growth, improving her self-esteem and self-leadership skills.

Can you relate? You want to lose weight, but your family likes goodies, so you stock the cupboards with them in mind, knowing it’s going to make it harder on you. Or you want a regular exercise program, but your sister calls and wants to go shopping…oh, well, you can exercise later, right? But that doesn’t happen.

Here are some commitments to self we tend to make and break. What would you add to this list?

Be Kind to Your Future Self – It’s the Secret Sauce for Life!

Written by Maria Connolly. Posted in Self-Leadership Skills.

“When you don’t know what to do in a situation, ask yourself, ‘What would the person I want to be do in this situation?’ Then do that.” ~ Drew Dudley

Do you give much thought to your future self? If not, you’re far from alone. According to researchers, many people feel no connection with the person they’ll be in the future. After all, you can’t change that you’ll get older, so why worry about it, right?

Of course, some think about this for fun. According to Google about 2,400 people search for “What will I look like when I’m older?” every month. There are online sites and apps that allow you to upload a picture of yourself and see how you’ll look later in life.

Going beyond what you’ll look like, I think it’s a healthy practice to keep in mind your older self when making daily decisions. It introduces a deeper layer of mindfulness into your life, as you acknowledge each action will have an impact on your future.

Practice Self-Appreciation to Own the Value You Bring to the World

Written by Maria Connolly. Posted in Self-Leadership Skills.

“If you really want to change society, encourage self-appreciation.” ~ Réné Gaudette

I’d like to start out today by trying a simple experiment — since we’re entering the season for thankfulness, quickly write out a list of 7-10 things you’re grateful for. Take a moment and do that right now. I’ll wait…

As you read through your list, how many of your items are about possessions? How many are about people in your life? And here’s the big question: did you express gratitude for yourself?

Unlearn the Lessons of a Toxic Childhood — You Deserve to be Loved!

Written by Maria Connolly. Posted in Change Your Life, Healthy Relationships, Self-Leadership Skills.

“An unpredictable parent is a fearsome god in the eyes of a child.” ~ Susan Forward, Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life

Do you think that love always comes with strings attached? That if someone is a winner then you’re a loser? That you need to placate everyone? That being neglected or abused verbally or physically is normal and you make excuses for it? That emotions make you vulnerable and weak? That it’s better to feel nothing? That you’re on your own?

Then it’s highly likely you’ve learned “lessons” from a toxic childhood that are neither healthful nor accurate. You didn’t deserve it. You didn’t deserve the neglect and abuse you suffered in your toxic childhood. You didn’t deserve to be ignored for days on end. You didn’t deserve the belittling and constant criticism. You were not to blame.

Tag: Self-Love

It’s Good to Be YOU: How to Feel Whole in a World of Conformity

Keeping My Commitment to Myself — Why Is It So Hard, but So Necessary?

Be Kind to Your Future Self – It’s the Secret Sauce for Life!

Practice Self-Appreciation to Own the Value You Bring to the World

Unlearn the Lessons of a Toxic Childhood — You Deserve to be Loved!

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